Growing Support for Zohran Mamdani Amidst New York Democrats, with Some Influential Figures Still Hesitant
New York City Mayoral Race: Mamdani's Endorsements and Controversies
Zohran Mamdani, the Democratic candidate for New York City mayor, is navigating a complex political landscape as he seeks endorsements from key figures in the party.
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul and state Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie have endorsed Mamdani, a move that is seen as a sign of the party coming together. In her endorsement op-ed, Hochul mentioned having frank conversations and disagreements with Mamdani, but emphasised the need for unity and a better direction for New York City.
However, Mamdani is still waiting for endorsements from Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries. Schumer and Jeffries have not endorsed Mamdani, with Jeffries holding out and mentioning that he didn't know Mamdani until post-primary meetings. Jeffries did, however, state that he wasn't scheduled to meet with any other mayoral candidate besides Mamdani. Schumer, on the other hand, met with Mamdani last week, and their conversations are continuing.
Sen. Bernie Sanders has expressed confusion over the lack of endorsement from Democratic leadership for Mamdani. This confusion is further compounded by the skepticism expressed by political, business, and community leaders who have met with Mamdani.
Mamdani's stance on Israel and its war with Hamas in the Gaza Strip this summer has been a point of contention. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand criticised Mamdani's position, later apologising for "mischaracterizing Mamdani's record" in an interview.
Rep. Hakeem Jeffries has downplayed concerns among progressives about the lack of endorsement for Mamdani, stating that this is a time for unity and strength. However, Republican groups are using Mamdani to argue that Democrats are too liberal. The Senate GOP's campaign arm referred to him as the "Maine Mamdani", and the House GOP campaign arm created digital ads featuring him alongside House Democratic incumbents and images of a hammer and sickle.
Rep. Laura Gillen, a Long Island Democrat, has been vocal in her opposition to Mamdani, stating that he is a threat to her constituents and reiterating her stance that "socialist Mamdani is absolutely wrong for NY" on social media after Hochul's endorsement.
For Schumer, Jeffries, and Heastie, endorsing Mamdani could bring more people into the party, but they risk not being able to bring more support if they stay out of the race entirely. As the race heats up, it remains to be seen whether these key figures will endorse Mamdani and how their decisions will impact his campaign.
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